exoskeleton
Beetle's body casing
An exoskeleton is a hard external covering that supports and protects an animal's body—the shell of a crab, the carapace of a beetle.
Unlike vertebrates with internal skeletons, insects, crustaceans, and arachnids wear their skeletons on the outside.
The term also applies to wearable mechanical frameworks that enhance human strength or mobility: The factory workers use exoskeletons to lift heavy parts without injury.
Arthropod shell polymer
- carapaceProtective dorsal exoskeleton
- shellHard outer covering
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
insect · crustacean · molting · segmented · beetle · crab · lobster · scorpion
Serving to guard
- platingSurface metal application
- suitMatched formal garments
- defenseProtection against harm
- shieldingProtecting from harm
fortification · encasement · covering · barrier · hardened · durable · resilient · body armor
Wearable robotic frame
- poweredSupplied with energy
- wearableAble to be worn
- actuatorsMovement-producing mechanisms
- servomechanismFeedback-controlled automatic mechanism
hydraulics · pneumatics · haptic feedback · mechatronics · mobility · load-bearing · augmentation · military
Underlying support system
- scaffoldTemporary elevated work structure
- rigidUnable to bend
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
morphology · anatomy · external · segmented · jointed · articulated · lightweight · strong
Recovery from injury/addiction
- prostheticsFabricated body part replacements
- orthoticsWearable alignment devices
- orthosisExternal body support device
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
spinal cord injury · physical therapy · mobility aid · stroke recovery · muscular dystrophy · assistive · neuroprosthetics · walking
chitin
Arthropod shell polymer
arthropod · insect · crustacean · molting · segmented · beetle · crab · lobster · scorpion · procuticle
protective
Serving to guard
shielding · fortification · encasement · covering · barrier · hardened · durable · resilient · body armor · tactical
exosuit
Wearable robotic frame
servomechanism · hydraulics · pneumatics · haptic feedback · mechatronics · mobility · load-bearing · augmentation · military · industrial
framework
Underlying support system
load-bearing · morphology · anatomy · external · segmented · jointed · articulated · lightweight · strong · composite
rehabilitation
Recovery from injury/addiction
- prostheticsFabricated body part replacements
- orthoticsWearable alignment devices
- orthosisExternal body support device
paralysis · spinal cord injury · physical therapy · mobility aid · stroke recovery · muscular dystrophy · assistive · neuroprosthetics · walking · brace
- roboticsrobot, android, humanoid, robotic arm, servo
- cockroach factsGerman cockroach, American cockroach, egg case, nymph, antenna
- arthropod anatomycarapace, abdomen, thorax, antennae, appendages
- flea biology
- Medical Robotssurgical robot, da Vinci, robotic arms, robot arm, Hugo
- trilobitestrilobites, glabella, thorax, compound eyes, segments
exoskeletonhydrostatic skeleton
Fluid-filled cavity providing support
boneless · shell-less · flesh · unarmored